World ski body tightens rules on betting sponsors

DUBROVNIK, Croatia (AP) -- The International Ski Federation has tightened its rules on accepting sponsorships by gambling operators.

The governing body says "title and presenting sponsor rights will not be awarded to commercial betting companies."

The federation says its ruling council also has prohibited athletes from carrying ads for gambling operators on their racing suits, or having them as a main sponsor. Race organizers, however, may allow smaller scale sponsorship by betting companies at their events.

Spectators at Alpine World Cup events can typically place bets on skiers to win a race at a gambling operator's promotional tent.

Irregular betting linked to match-fixing has been identified by world sports leaders as a bigger threat than doping to the integrity of sports.